Timing is everything
My iPod timetable:
- October, 2001
- Apple introduces the world to the iPod. I am impressed, but not ready to bite.
- July, 2004
- Apple is on its third generation of iPod, plus it has introduced the iPod mini. I am finding that it would be beneficial to have an iPod as I try to maximize my travel time by listening to audio books and taped messages. More and more of these are on CD now, making it easy to rip and transfer them to an iPod.
- July 12, 2004
- I purchase a 15GB iPod at the university bookstore.
- July 19, 2004
- I leave for a two day trip to Mexico. Apple introduces the fourth generation iPod and drops their prices by $100. For the same money I could have had a dock, a remote, 5 more GB and 4 more hours of battery life. I listen to my iPod on the way to Mexico and back.
- July 21, 2004
- I remember that Apple has introduced price protection for people like me who purchase a product within 10 days of Apple announcing a new product, or price drop. I check in with the bookstore and they tell me to contact our local Apple Store. I call them and they say the bookstore should be able to reimburse me.
- July 22, 2004
- I bring the receipt to the bookstore. They tell me they need a tracking number from Apple. I call Apple and they say they only give price protection on orders from their online or retail stores. I comment that I am stuck, and the Apple rep spins me around as he reminds me that I still have my iPod. While true, I still feel stuck. Back to the bookstore, and I talk to a manager. She is trying to contact Apple to find out what they will do for the bookstore, price protection-wise. She copies my receipt, takes my contact info, and promises to call.
To be continued…
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Comments
Sounds like you and Leo [Laporte] have the worst luck with buying Apple stuff.
If it makes you feel better I paid $400 for my 15GB a month before a price drop and a TiBook a month before the AiBooks came out.
Posted by: Brandon on July 22, 2004 01:53 PM
Actually this is the first time I’ve really had an issue with timing. And I’m still holding out hope that it will all have a happy ending…
Posted by: Mark Newhouse on July 22, 2004 02:00 PM
Hi Mark, it’s been a while… well in my case looks like it’s been worth the wait - I guess this is the year I’ll finally get an iPod. A 20-gigger maybe (or should I plunk the extra $100 for the 40er?) It was about time…
I’ve already paid my dues with time burning - bought a beige G3 in October 1998 only to have the blue/white version arrive 3 months later. That did hurt. :)
Posted by: beto on July 22, 2004 05:25 PM
I’d have to agree with you on it being worth the wait, Beto (good to hear from you again, BTW). I think the current price value ratio is quite good for either iPod if this is your first purchase. I don’t know that I’d upgrade from a 3G version, though.
And I am still hoping for a happy ending to my story!
Posted by: Mark Newhouse on July 22, 2004 11:18 PM
Hi Mark, good luck! Don’t wait too long for them to call you though.
Posted by: gavin on July 22, 2004 11:42 PM
Always, always, always check MacRumors’ Buyer’s Guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/) before buying Apple stuff. Even if you know everything there is to know about the market, this handy little guide reminds you when things were last updated, and how likely they are to be updated again in the near future. Saves a lot of headache, heartache and some money.
Posted by: Fargoboy on July 31, 2004 09:54 PM
Fargoboy: I’m not sure, in this case, if the Buyer’s Guide would have helped since I wanted the iPod before I took a trip that started, coincidentally, on the day the new iPods were announced. But that is a very valuable resources, for sure.
Gavin: good to hear from you again. I have been pestering the bookstore. Their Apple rep is on vacation, but they tell me I should know something by today. Of course I’ll post something when I know…
Posted by: Mark Newhouse on August 4, 2004 11:05 AM